Doncic Scores 40 as Lakers Beat Kings
The Slovenian guard extended his scoring streak while Los Angeles improved to 7-7, marking the first time a player has topped 300 points in eight games since Michael Jordan.
By Rafael Collins ·
Luka Doncic scored 40 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. The win improved the Lakers' record to seven and seven in their first nine games of the season.
Doncic made six three-pointers and converted 12 of 13 free throws. He also recorded nine rebounds and seven assists. This marks his sixth consecutive game with at least 35 points.
The 29-year-old has now scored 308 points in eight games played. He became the first player to exceed 300 points in his first eight games of a season since Michael Jordan posted 303 in 1988-89. Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most points in the first eight games of a season, having achieved it three times with a high of 418 in 1962-63.
Austin Reaves provided additional scoring for Los Angeles with 21 points. The Kings could not build on their first win of the season, which they earned against Dallas on Monday. Sacramento now stands at 1-7, having lost its last three home games.
A disruption occurred late in the third quarter when a spectator near the baseline was removed from the arena. The fan threw a ball aggressively at official Chelisa Painter after it went out of bounds. Doncic pointed at the fan and appeared to speak to him before security intervened.
Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. led the Kings with 22 points and 12 assists. Zach LaVine added 21 points, while Domantas Sabonis contributed 16 points and 17 rebounds.
The Lakers will host Portland on Friday night. The Kings are scheduled to face San Antonio at home on the same night.
